The Toronto Raptors came into the 2023-24 season with a similar roster but hired a new head coach.
Toronto parted ways with championship head coach Nick Nurse, who would go on to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Raptors eventually hired prominent Memphis Grizzlies assistant Darko Rajakovic.
Rajakovic was a part of the youth movement in Memphis and has been credited with developing players like Jaren Jackson Jr and Desmond Bane. With a more experienced roster in Toronto, Rajakovic is trying to re-establish a winning culture.
When a team hires a new coach, there are usually some growing pains with players trying to adjust to new schemes and ideologies. That has been prevalent 16 games into the season.
While there have been some hiccups with slow starts, Toronto is 8-8 and hoping to be turning a corner soon. One positive change that has happened for the Raptors is that they are now a top-10 team in points in the paint:
The Toronto Raptors went from bottom 5 to (almost) top 5 teams in points in the paint scoring. pic.twitter.com/vn2x3APNUv
— عمر عثمان 🇦🇫 Mike Tyson’s Translator (@OmerOsman200) November 25, 2023
There has been a steady increase in points in the pain throughout the past four seasons. This stat puts into perspective how much pressure Toronto likes to put at the rim.
The Raptors starting lineup features players, who are capable of scoring inside. Dennis Schroder likes using his speed to get downhill, similar to Pascal Siakiam, who uses his post moves to get into the paint.
O.G. Anunoby is able to get to the basket, along with Scottie Barnes. Jakob Poeltl an inside presence as well.
Toronto has been known to have a ton of size and length on their rosters. They are finally using that advantage inside.
However, the Raptors’ three-point shooting sits at 34.8% and opposing teams may start packing the paint to force them to take perimeter shots.
Gradey Dick struggles in Raptors 905 debut
Gradey Dick is a player who was expected to help the Raptors in three-point shooting.
He has struggled thus far in his rookie campaign, shooting 27% from the field and 24.4% from distance in 14.7 minutes a contest.
Dick was assigned to the Raptors 905 and struggled mightily in his debut.
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